Cody Whitehair should stay at left guard with Chicago Bears
When the Chicago Bears added a couple of linemen in the 2021 NFL draft, and they let go of Charles Leno it became clear that there was going to be a shakeup on the offensive line. There are plenty of options that the Bears can choose thanks to the versatility of the group. Cody Whitehair has moved around for the Bears, and played guard and center last year. If the Chicago Bears were smart, they would keep him at center.
Cody Whitehair excels at guard
If you remember last year, Whitehair started the first seven games of 2020 at center. Whether it was the players around him, the COVID offseason, or an injury, the worst stretch of his entire career came last year at center.
However, after missing time with an injury and after the bye week, Whitehair moved from center to left guard. It was not the best play of his career, but he was much better in the second half of the season than he was in the first half.
Inexperience around him on Chicago Bears
To be fair, Whitehair may have been playing dinged up. He is likely the Bears best lineman whether at center or guard, to be honest. However, with that experience, leadership and skill set, he should be locked into left guard.
To start, the Chicago Bears will have a new left tackle on week one of the first time in seven seasons. That is a long run for Charles Leno, and now it most likey will be a rookie in Teven Jenkins.
Jenkins was a great pick, but is now a rookie moving from right tackle to left. There are going to be growing pains. Having Whitehair beside him could help his anchor, and could keep him in the right alignments.
Beyond that, Sam Mustipher is an experienced center but has just seven career starts in the NFL. Now that tape is out on Mustipher, teams will play to his weakness. Once again, the experience and leadership of Whitehair could go a long way in the development of Sam Mustipher. Even if James Daniels made the move back to center, it would be easier with Whitehair at left guard.
Next. 5 stats to know about Khyiris Tonga. dark
The Bears are going to have inexperience on their line. Sticking Whitehair in between Jenkins and Mustipher may be the best way to combat that with a veteran pressence.